EJW OUTDOORS TOP PRIORITY IS TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH VALUABLE SERVICES AND QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR EVERY SPORTING NEED. WITH ALMOST 50 YEARS OF SERVING LOCAL AND TOURIST COMMUNITIES ALIKE, EJW PRIDES THEMSELVES ON THEIR VAST DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE THAT IS THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE.

LOCAL. EXPERIENCED. TRUSTED.

THE STORE

EJW IS A FULL-SERVICE, FAMILY OWNED HUNTING AND FISHING STORE, WHICH HAS PROVIDED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO HUNTERS, ANGLERS, BICYCLISTS AND SPORTSMEN FOR MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS. NOW WITH OVER 8,000 SQUARE FEET, EJW OFFERS THE LARGEST SELECTION OF THE MOST POPULAR BRANDS TODAY. FULL-LINE BROWNING DEALER, COLUMBIA CLOTHING, COSTA DEL MAR, RAINBOW SANDALS, CARHARTT, MOUNTAIN KHAKI, SPERRY TOPSIDER, AFTCO, HOWLER BROS, SALT LIFE, SOUTHERN FRIED COTTON AND EJW HAS ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTIONS OF HUNTING EQUIPMENT, ACCESSORIES AND CAMO IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun Orientation
Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, and Safety Training is the NRA’s response to the American public’s need for a firearm orientation program for new purchasers.
More Details: NRA FIRST Steps Shotgun course is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific shotgun model. This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific model shotgun at a moving target. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; the particular shotgun model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the shotgun; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.
Students need to bring eye/ear protection, their shotgun, and 50 rounds of ammunition.
The cost of this course is $70.

Name: NC Concealed Carry Handgun Training
The Concealed Carry course explains the aspects of the North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun law as it applies to the rights of the citizen to carry a concealed handgun and to teach and apply the fundamentals of safety and basic marksmanship skills. Students will learn the provisions under NC Common and Statutory Law in which the use of deadly physical force would be justifiable; places where handguns may not be carried; demonstrate proficiency in safe handling of handgun; identify major parts of a handgun; and demonstrate proficiency in marksmanship fundamentals.
Students need to bring eye/ear protection, their handgun, and 50 rounds of ammunition.
Name: NC Wildlife Hunter Education
Course Description: The NC Hunter Education course meets the standards set forth by the International Hunter Education Association. The course is at least 6 hours long, covering firearm safety, hunter responsibility, wildlife conservation and management, id, survival and first aid, special concerns, and other areas.
There is no charge for this course.
The cost of this course is $65.

For more information please call 252-247-4725 or stop by EJW Outdoors

Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a pistol safely.
More Details: This course is at least 8-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet; take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate.
Students need to bring eye/ear protection, their handgun, and 50 rounds of ammunition.
The cost for this course is $85.

NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course
Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for the safe and proper use of a shotgun in shooting a moving target.
More Details: This course is at least ten-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning how to shoot shotguns at moving targets. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; shotgun parts and operation; shotgun shell components; shotgun shell malfunctions; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting at straight away and angled targets; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Shotgun Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.
Students need to bring eye/ear protection, their shotgun, and 50 rounds of ammunition
The cost of this course is $100.

NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation
Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, and Safety Training — is the NRA’s response to the American public’s need for a firearm orientation program for new purchasers.
More Details: NRA FIRST Steps Pistol is designed to provide a hands- on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific pistol action type for classes of four or fewer students. This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific pistol action type. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; the particular pistol model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.
Students need to bring eye/ear protection, their handgun, and 50 rounds of ammunition.
The cost for this course is $70.

NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course

NRA Basic Shotgun Shooting Course

NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation

SIGN UP NOW FOR EJW'S FIRST ANNUAL COBIA CLASSIC FISHING TOURNAMENT. MAY 1ST-AUGUST 1ST ALLOWS FOR FOUR MONTHS OF OPPORTUNITY TO FISH AND WIN THE TOP CASH PRIZE OF $1500.00. WHILE THERE IS NO SIGN-UP DEADLINE -- ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND SUBMIT $50.00 ENTRY FEE PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY FISHING ACTIVITY. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ALSO WEIGH AND BE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH ALL TOURNAMENT FISH PICKED FOR OFFICIAL ENTRY AT THE EJW OUTDOORS STORE LOCATION IN MOREHEAD CITY.

REGISTER AT EJW OR BY PHONE AT (252) 247-4725. WHILE THERE IS NO DEADLINE TO SIGN UP -- ANGLERS MUST SIGNED UP BEFORE THEY BEGIN TO FISH AND ALL FISH MUST BE WEIGHTED IN AT EJW OUTDOORS.

EJW'S ARCHERY PRO SHOP

WE SELL MATTHEWS, ELITE ARCHERY AND TENPOINT CROSSBOWS. WE DO REPAIRS AND TUNING ON BOWS OF ALL KINDS. WE ALSO OFFER ALL TYPES OF ARCHERY EQUIPMENT AND CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL YOUR ARCHERY NEEDS

FOR THE FISHERMAN

EJW HAS A HUGE VARIETY OF FISHING TACKLE AND SUPPLIES INCLUDING THE COMPLETE LINE OF SEA STRIKER AND STAR RODS, CALCUTTA TACKLE AND CLOTHING, SHIMANO, PENN, EAGLE CLAW, MUSTAD, UGLY STICK, VMC, AND OTHERS. WE CARRY BOMBOY, BLACK BART, FATHOM, MARLIN MAGIC, AND MOLD CRAFT. WE ALSO ARE A FULL YETI DEALER.

EJW OFFERS PROMPT IN-STORE REPAIR ON ALL KINDS OF RODS, REELS, TACKLE. WE ALSO CARRY THE LARGEST SUPPLY OF BAITMASTERS IN TOWN ALL YEAR LONG. WE ALSO CARRY CROWDER RODS, KEY LARGO RODS, DIAWA RODS AND REELS, GAMAKATSU, OWNER, QUICK RIG,

CRUISE THROUGH EJW

WHETHER YOU'RE A THRILL-SEEKING TOURIST VISITING THE CRYSTAL COAST OR A LAID-BACK LOCAL, WE OFFER THE BEST LINE-UP OF CRUISERS ANYWHERE. OUR SELECTION INCLUDES 3G AND JAMIS EARTH CRUISER, RALEIGH, AND BOSS CRUISER. WE DO BIKE REPAIR OF ALL KINDS AND SELL BICYCLE ACCESSORIES TOO.

OUR FIREARMS

WE OFFER A LARGE SELECTION OF FIREARMS, AMMO, AND ACCESSORIES. WE BUY, SELL AND TRADE. WE ALSO OFFER FFL TRANSFERS IF YOU ARE BUYING OR SELLING OUT OF STATE. WE ARE ALSO A CLASS 3 DEALER.

ARCHERY PRO SHOP

FISHING & TACKLE

BEACH CRUISERS

FIREARMS

MEDIA

APRIL 6, 2015

BY: BRIAN SLESINKSI

LOT'S OF FOLKS CATCHING SHAD IN THE RIVERS. THIS CAN BE A LOT OF FUN. ALSO STRIPER FISHING IS ON FIRE IN THE RIVERS.

IN THE SURF AND ON THE PIERS. SEA MULLET, PUFFERS, RED AND BLACK DRUM. AND A FEW BLUE FISH BEING CAUGHT. WATER TEMP THIS MORNING IS 58 DEGREES. IT IS SHOULD CONTINUE TO WARM THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

WE WILL BE SEEING SOME THUNDERSTORMS THIS WEEK, BUT THERE MAY BE SOME WINDOWS TO GET SOME FISHING IN.

SOME NICE TROUT ARE BEING CAUGHT AROUND NEW BERN AND JACKSONVILLE.

A COUPLE OF BOATS MADE IT TO THE GULF STREAM AND FOUND WAHOO, BLACKFIN, AND MY FAVORITE ... MAHI. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY TWINS FIRED UP AND OUT THERE. REMEMBER IF YOU GO OFFSHORE THAT THE WEATHER CAN CHANGE QUICKLY. BE VIGILANT, AND STAY SAFE.

APRIL 6, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

NOW THAT THE WEATHER IS BECOMING MORE STABLE AND THE WATER TEMPS ARE RISING, THE LOCAL FISHING HAS STARTED TO IMPROVE. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF SEA MULLET AND GRAY TROUT BEING CAUGHT IN THE TURNING BASIN. NOT TOO MANY IN NUMBERS AND NOT TOO BIG YET, BUT STILL NICE TO GET A TUG ON YOUR LINE AFTER A LONG, COLD WINTER. USE SPEC RIGS OR 2-HOOK BOTTOM RIGS WITH SMALL PIECES OF FRESH (NEVER FROZEN) SHRIMP OR FISHBITES BLOODWORMS CUT INTO ½” PIECES AND JUST ENOUGH WEIGHT TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH THE BOTTOM. REDFISH ARE GETTING ACTIVE IN THE HAYSTACKS AS WELL AS THE NEWPORT RIVER AND CREEKS OFF THE INTERCOASTAL AROUND MOREHEAD CITY. THE FIRST PELAGICS (WAHOO, MAHI, AND TUNA) ARE SHOWING UP IN THE GULFSTREAM FOR THE OFFSHORE TROLLERS AND THE BOTTOM FISHING 15-25 MILES OUT OF BOTH BEAUFORT AND BOGUE INLETS HAS BEEN CONSISTENT ALL WINTER. THE WEATHER WAS THE ONLY THING KEEPING BOATS FROM GETTING AT BLACK SEA BASS, TRIGGERFISH, AND VERMILLION SNAPPERS (BEELINERS) IN 75-100’ OF WATER OVER LIVE BOTTOMS. TRY A BLUE WATER CANDY ROSCOE JR. JIG BOUNCED VERTICALLY OFF THE BOTTOM. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL BITE IT, BUT SOMETHING ALWAYS DOES. DON’T OVERLOOK BRACKISH WATER! THE NEUSE AND TRENT RIVERS AT NEW BERN ARE PRODUCING NICE CATCHES OF BLUEGILL, CRAPPIES, BOTH YELLOW AND WHITE PERCH AND BASS AROUND SHORELINE BRUSH AND THE OLDER BOAT DOCKS. FOR SOME REASON, THE OLDER, MORE BROKEN DOWN DOCKS HOLD THE BEST FISH. VERY LIGHT SPINNING TACKLE, TINY BOBBERS AND SMALL HOOKS BAITED WITH RED WIGGLERS, SMALL SHINERS, OR WAXWORMS WILL PRODUCE.

APRIL 14, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

THE GOOD WEATHER CONTINUES SO THE FISHING KEEPS IMPROVING, TOO. LOCALLY AROUND MHC, THE BOTTOM FISHING IN AND AROUND THE TURNING BASIN IS PRODUCING MORE AND BIGGER SEA MULLET, GRAY TROUT (REMEMBER, YOU CAN ONLY KEEP 1, 12-INCHER OR BETTER PER ANGLER!) FOR FOLKS USING SPEC RIGS AND FISHBITES BLOODWORM OR SHRIMP. TRY VERTICAL JIGGING A SMALL STINGSILVER OR SIMILAR METAL JIG. JUST KEEP BOUNCING IT OFF THE BOTTOM AND YOU’LL NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL SMACK IT. THE NEW RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARY CREEKS HAVE GOOD AMOUNTS OF REDFISH AND SPECKS BITING. A JIGHEAD – JUST HEAVY ENOUGH TO GET TO THE BOTTOM – AND SOFT PLASTIC GRUBS, FLUKES, OR GULP SHRIMP GET BITES. SPECKS HAVE ARRIVED IN THE CREEKS OFF THE LOWER NEUSE BUT ARE STILL KIND OF SCARCE UPRIVER FROM ORIENTAL. PLASTIC SHRIMP WITH OR WITHOUT A POPPING CORK AND HARDBAITS LIKE MR17’S HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVE. NEARSHORE, THE BOTTOM FISHING FOR TRIGGERS, BLACK SEA BASS, GRUNTS AND PORGIES HAS BEEN REAL GOOD. LIVE BOTTOM, ARTIFICIAL REEFS, AND WRECKS IN 60-90’ HOLD FISH. NO REPORTS OF FLOUNDER ON THE AR’S YET, BUT IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO SHOW UP.

APRIL 22, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

LET’S START OUT AROUND THE GULFSTREAM AND WORK INLAND. THE MAHI ARE STARTING TO SHOW UP IN GOOD NUMBERS ALONG WITH WAHOO FROM THE WESTERN EDGE OF THE GULFSTREAM AS FAR IN AS THE 90-FOOT DROP AND THE 14 BUOY. TROLLED BALLYHOO IS THE TICKET. THE OFFSHORE BOTTOM FISHING REMAINS EXCELLENT, ESPECIALLY ON THE EAST SIDE WRECKS AND LIVE BOTTOMS. BEELINERS (VERMILLION SNAPPERS), TRIGGERFISH, BLACK SEA BASS, AND ASSORTED GRUNTS AND PORGIES COMPLETE THE CATCH. CLOSER TO SHORE, THE AR’S (330, 320, AND 315) HAVE SEEN THE FIRST FLOUNDERS OF THE YEAR CAUGHT. SPRO BUCKTAILS AND 4” GULP! SHRIMP WORK EVERY TIME. THE WAITING GAME IS NOW ON FOR COBIA AND SPANISH MACKEREL. WITH WARMER WEATHER GETTING HERE EARLIER THAN DURING THE PAST COUPLE OF SEASONS, THEIR ARRIVAL IS NOT FAR AWAY. INSHORE AROUND MHC, THE TURNING BASIN IS GIVING UP SEA MULLET AND GRAY TROUT ON SPEC RIGS AND EITHER SHRIMP OR FISHBITES BLOODWORM AND THERE ARE LOTS OF BLOWFISH BITING INSIDE THE HOOK AT CAPE LOOKOUT. ALL YOU NEED IS A 2-HOOK BOTTOM RIG, A SINKER HEAVY ENOUGH TO HOLD BOTTOM, AND A TINY PIECE OF FRESH OR FROZEN SHRIMP.

APRIL 27, 2015

BY: BRIAN SLESINKSI

THE FISHING IN GENERAL IS IMPROVING EVERY DAY. IN THE SURF AND ON THE PIERS LOTS OF SEA MULLET AND BLACK DRUM A FEW SPOTS AND GREY TROUT MIXED IN ALONG WITH SOME NICE REDFISH. IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT SOME FLOUNDER WERE CAUGHT OFF A LOCAL JETTY THIS WEEKEND. THIS MEANS THAT THE FLOUNDER HAVE BEGUN TO MIGRATE INSHORE. THIS IS REALLY THE BEGINNING OF THE BEST PART OF THE YEAR.

THE REDFISH AND SPECKLED TROUT BITE IS EXCELLENT IN THE CREEKS AND MARSHES.

NEARSHORE REDFISH FLOUNDER, BLUES AND HERE WE GO. SOME SPANISH AND KINGS HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITHIN 5 MILES. ALSO FA AND BONITO.....AN ANGLER BROUGHT THE FIRST COBIA OF THE SEASON IN TO A LOCAL TACKLE SHOP TO BE WEIGHED OVER THE WEEKEND.

GULFSTREAM … WAHOO…., MAHI, AMBERJACK, BLACKFIN TUNA, A SAILFISH OR TWO, AND SOME YELLOWFIN NEAR THE HATTERAS AREA.

OFFSHORE BOTTOM FISHING IS PRODUCING NICE BSB, AFRICAN POMPANO, VERMILLION SNAPPER, BEELINERS, AND GROUPER. GROUPER SEASON NOT OPEN NOW BUT WILL SOON. BE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT IS LEGAL TO KEEP EVERYTIME.

WE NOTED LAST WEEK AS WE OFTEN DO THAT THERE WAS A SMALL WEATHER WINDOW TO GET OFFSHORE ON SATURDAY. SEVERAL FOLKS MADE THE DECISION TO GET OUT THERE AND SOME HAD A REAL TOUGH TIME GETTING BACK. SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS CONTINUE TO ASK TODAY IF EVERYONE MADE IT BACK IN. IN PARTICULAR, A 21 FT SKIFF THAT WAS 42 MILES OFFSHORE IN A SMALL WINDOW???? THE 45 MPH WIND THAT CAME ACROSS THE SHOALS AT CALO WERE TOUGH TO NAVIGATE IN. I JUST WANT TO URGE FOLKS TO BE VERY AWARE OF THE WEATHER AND THE CAPABILITIES OF THEIR EQUIPMENT AND THEIR OWN SKILL. THE WATER IS VERY UNFORGIVING OF MISTAKES.

MAY 6, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

THE COOLER WEATHER AND WINDS HAVE SLOWED DOWN THE BITE AROUND MHC. THE SEA MULLET, PUFFERS, AND GRAY TROUT REMAIN SCATTERED AND THE SPECKLED TROUT HAVE YET TO MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE. THERE ARE, HOWEVER, LOTS OF BLUEFISH IN THE INLET AND UP AND DOWN THE BEACHES FROM THE CAPE TO BOGUE INLET. TRY CASTING OR VERTICAL JIGGING SMALL (AROUND ½ OZ.) METAL JIGS. REDFISH ARE ACTIVE IN THE MARSHES OFF ADAMS CREEK, THE NEWPORT RIVER, AND THE HAYSTACKS. THESE FISH WILL HIT SOFT PLASTICS OR GULP ON A JIGHEAD. (HINT: THE JIGHEAD ONLY NEEDS TO BE HEAVY ENOUGH TO BOUNCE OFF THE BOTTOM. ANYTHING HEAVIER THAN ¼ OZ. IS TOO HEAVY.) TRY RIGGING ONE ABOUT 18-24” BELOW A POPPING CORK. NEARSHORE, THE WATER TEMPS LATE LAST WEEK WERE 62-63 DEGREES, SO WE STILL NEED ABOUT 6-8 DEGREE WARMER WATER TO BRING THE FISH CLOSER TO THE BEACH. THERE ARE BONITO AND FALSE ALBACORE FURTHER OFFSHORE AND THERE IS WARMER WATER ON THE EAST SIDE WHERE BOTTOM FISHING IS STILL EXCELLENT IN 60-100’ OVER LIVE BOTTOM, ROCKS, OR WRECKS. THE FIRST SPANISH OF THE YEAR WERE REPORTED OVER THE PAST WEEK, SO IT IS TIME TO BREAK OUT THE LIGHT TROLLING RODS, SMALL CLARKSPOONS AND SIZE 1 OR 2 PLANERS. THE BEST FISHING IS HAPPENING AROUND THE NEW RIVER IN SNEADS FERRY WHERE YOU’LL FIND RED, SPECKS, AND FLOUNDER IN THE CREEKS, AND ABUNDANT BONITO, ALBIES, AND BLUES JUST OFF THE INLET. OFFSHORE, THE FISHING IS IMPROVING BY THE DAY. MAHI, WAHOO, AND BOTH YELLOWFIN AND BLACKFIN TUNA ARE BITING AND BILLFISH HOOKUPS HAVE NOT BEEN UNCOMMON.

MAY 12, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

JUST WHEN THE OCEAN STARTED TO RETURN TO NORMAL AROUND HERE, THAT TROPICAL THING DROPPED BY AND MESSED THINGS UP FOR A FEW DAYS. IT LOOKS LIKE THE WEATHER WILL SETTLE DOWN BY MID-WEEK AND HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO FIND. IF YOU CAN GET OUT TO THE GULFSTREAM, THE MAHI BITE IS WIDE OPEN. ACTUALLY, IT STARTS AT TO 90-FOOT DROP AND REMAINS STRONG OUT TO THE BIG ROCK. YOU’LL ALSO FIND BLACKFIN TUNA AND WAHOO IN THE MIX, TOO. TROLL A BALLYHOO AND HANG ON. CLOSER TO SHORE, FALSE ALBACORE, BONITO, AND SPANISH ARE HERE. WHEN YOU FIND THEM CHASING BAIT ON TOP, CAST A SMALL METAL JIG INTO THE FISH AS REEL AS FAST AS YOU CAN. YOU CAN’T PULL IT AWAY FROM THEM. IF YOU TROLL A SMALL CLARKSPOON WITH A SIZE 1 PLANER OR A 2-3 OZ. TROLLING SINKER, YOU’LL CATCH ‘EM RIGHT ALONG WITH THE BLUEFISH. BAIT BALLS ARE APPEARING AND THAT MEANS COBIA ARE AROUND. THE SECOND WEEK OF MAY IS WHEN WE TRADITIONALLY SEE THEM. SOME HAVE BEEN CAUGHT SOAKING BAIT BEHIND SHACKLEFORD BANKS. IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO THAT, THE ABSOLUTE KEY IS KEEP YOUR BAIT FRESH. YOU’LL GO THROUGH A LOT OF IT BUT THE REWARDS ARE GREAT. ON THE LOCAL AR’S – 285, 315, 320, AND 330, YOU SHOULD FIND LOTS OF ACTION; FLOUNDER ON 2-OZ. BUCKTAILS AND GULP AND BLUES, SPANISH, ALBIES, AND BONITO ON METAL JIGS. AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, ALWAYS HAVE A ROD READY WITH A BUCKTAIL AND PLASTIC TWISTY TAIL FOR A CURIOUS COBIA.

MAY 15, 2015

BY: BRIAN SLESINKSI

The striper season is just about over. There is still a good bite on topwaters in the evening, but this too will slow as the waters warm. The big flathead catfish are very hungry and have been eating shad. The shad bite is slowing a bit and will also disappear soon.

On the piers and in the surf, Sea mullet, Pompano, and Black Drum, a few spots, Water temp is around 70 along our coast. Not seeing big numbers of spanish yet, but they should become plenitiful soon.

Nearshore: The flounder are showing up. There are plenty of Redfish and Speckled trout to be caught.

Offshore when you can get out the Mahi are here in huge numbers and good sizes. Some yellowfin Tuna are being caught. The white and blue marilin are beginning to bite. If you get a chance and the weather permits, go out there and get some.

The weather looks good for the next few days.

MAY 20, 2015

BY: BRIAN SLESINKSKI

IN THE RIVERS:

THE STRIPER SEASON IS JUST ABOUT OVER. THERE IS STILL A GOOD BITE ON TOPWATERS IN THE EVENING, BUT THIS TOO WILL SLOW AS THE WATERS WARM. THE BIG FLATHEAD CATFISH ARE VERY HUNGRY AND HAVE BEEN EATING SHAD. THE SHAD BITE IS SLOWING A BIT AND WILL ALSO DISAPPEAR SOON.

ON THE PIERS AND IN THE SURF, SEA MULLET, POMPANO, AND BLACK DRUM, A FEW SPOTS, WATER TEMP IS AROUND 70 ALONG OUR COAST. NOT SEEING BIG NUMBERS OF SPANISH YET, BUT THEY SHOULD BECOME PLENITIFUL SOON.

NEARSHORE: THE FLOUNDER ARE SHOWING UP. THERE ARE PLENTY OF REDFISH AND SPECKLED TROUT TO BE CAUGHT. THE COBIA BITE IS GETTING HOT ALSO. LOOK FOR THE BAIT BALLS AND FISH UNDER THEM.

OFFSHORE THE MAHI ARE HERE IN HUGE NUMBERS AND GOOD SIZES. SOME YELLOWFIN TUNA ARE BEING CAUGHT. THE WHITE AND BLUE MARILIN ARE BEGINNING TO BITE. IF YOU GET A CHANCE AND THE WEATHER PERMITS, GO OUT THERE AND GET SOME.

THE WEATHER LOOKS GOOD FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

MAY 20, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

NOW THAT ANA HAS MOVED AWAY, NICE WEATHER AND CALMER WINDS HAVE REALLY HELPED FISHING AND THOSE CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE INTO THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. THE ANSWER TO THE BIG QUESTION IS “YES”, THE COBIA ARE HERE. BAIT BALLS STARTED APPEARING ALONG THE BEACH IN FRONT OF SHACKLEFORD LATE LAST WEEK AND THE COBES ARE WITH THEM. THEY’RE BITING BAIT SOAKED ON THE BOTTOM AT BARDEN AND BEAUFORT INLETS, TOO. IF YOU WANT BETTER RESULTS WHEN YOU’RE BOTTOM FISHING FOR THEM, BE SURE TO KEEP THAT BAIT FRESH. A WASHED-OUT BAIT MEANS SHARKS AND SKATES. FOR NEARSHORE TROLLERS, THE SPANISH AND BLUEFISH WILL KEEP YOU BUSY ALL DAY. FURTHER OFFSHORE, THE BOTTOM FISHING AND JIGGING IS REAL GOOD. LOOK FOR DROPS AND LIVE BOTTOM FROM 60’ TO 90’ AND DROP A BLUE WATER CANDY ROSCOE JR. JIG DOWN THERE. BOUNCE IT OFF THE BOTTOM, LET IT DROP BACK, AND HANG ON. YOU’LL HAVE SEA BASS, SNAPPERS, PORGIES, TRIGGERFISH, AND GAG GROUPERS CHOMPING AWAY AT THAT THING. AS YOU MOVE INTO DEEPER WATER, THE PELAGIC BITE REMAINS STRONG WITH MAHI ABUNDANT ALONG WITH WAHOO AND TUNA. UNFORTUNATELY, INSHORE ANGLERS AROUND MHC ARE FINDING SPECKLED TROUT VERY, VERY HARD TO FIND. THE BEST INSHORE FISHING LOCALLY IS IN THE NEW RIVER AND THE CREEKS AND MARSHES OF THE INTERCOASTAL UP TOWARDS SWANSBORO.

MAY 26, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

A WEEK OF NICE WINDS AND WEATHER REALLY HELPED IMPROVE THE FISHING AND THIS WEEK LOOKS TO BE JUST AS NICE. THE COBIA BITE IS GOING STRONG RIGHT NOW. SOAKING BAIT ON THE BOTTOM NEAR BARDEN OR BEAUFORT INLETS WILL PRODUCE FISH FOR THE PATIENT ANGLERS. JUST KEEP THE BAIT FRESH UNLESS YOU LIKE CATCHING RAYS, SKATES, AND SHARKS. THE BAIT BALLS FURTHER OFF THE BEACH ABOUT 1-2 MILES HOLD THE ACTIVE FISH FOR THE SIGHT-CASTERS. A BIG (2-OZ.) WHITE BUCKTAIL WITH A BRIGHT TWISTY TAIL TRAILER IS THE LURE OF CHOICE. REDFISH, BLUEFISH, AND BLACK DRUM HAVE BEEN WORKING THE SURF ZONE AROUND BEAR INLET. IT REALLY HELPS TO HAVE A LIGHT NORTH WIND TO KEEP THE SURF CALM AND ALLOW A BOAT TO REAL CLOSE TO THE BEACH. OFFSHORE, THE PELAGICS HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE AND WITH THE WATER TEMPS RISING AND WEEDLINES MOVING CLOSER TO SHORE, MAHI HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN 80’ OF WATER ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE CAPE. THE BEST FISHING REMAINS OFFSHORE BOTTOM FISHING AND JIGGING. GROUPER (MOSTLY UNDERSIZED), TRIGGERFISH, SNAPPERS, GRUNTS, PORGIES, AND BLACK SEA BASS ARE ABUNDANT AND SEEMINGLY ALWAYS HUNGRY. LIVE BOTTOM IN THE 60’ TO 90’ RANGE HOLDS FISH ON BOTH SIDE OF THE CAPE. SOME SPECKLED TROUT HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN THE CREEKS AND MARSHES AROUND MHC IN THE PAST WEEK! GULP SHRIMP ON A ¼ OR 1/8 OZ. JIGHEAD OR A PLASTIC SHRIMP UNDER A POPPING CORK WILL GET YOU SPECKS AND REDFISH IF YOU WORK THE CREEKS OFF THE INTERCOASTAL FROM MHC TO SWANSBORO.

JUNE 10, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

GOOD, STABILE WEATHER HAS THE LOCAL FISHING FISH-CATCHING PROSPECTS LOOKING GOOD. THE COBIA ARE STARTING TO PULL BACK. THEY ARE STILL AROUND, BUT YOUR BEST CHANCES NOW ARE OFFSHORE ON THE WRECKS DEEP JIGGING. THE KING MACKEREL BITE IS STARTING TO HEAT UP AND THE SPANISH AND BLUEFISH CONTINUE TO POUND SMALL CLARKSPOONS SO THE NEARSHORE BOATERS STILL HAVE PLENTY OF FISH TO TARGET. FURTHER TOWARDS THE GULFSTREAM, MAHI HAVE BEEN SCATTERED BUT STILL HANGING AROUND THEIR USUAL PLACES LIKE THE RISE, NEAR THE 14 BUOY, AND THE 90-FOOT DROP. THE BLUE WATER PELAGICS LIKE BILLFISH AND WAHOO ARE ALSO HITTING TROLLED BALLYHOO AS YOU APPROACH THE STREAM. INSHORE, THE FISHING CONTINUES TO IMPROVE LOCALLY. SPECKLED TROUT HAVE FINALLY STARTED TO SHOW UP IN THE USUAL CREEKS AND BOAT DOCKS ALONG THE INTERCOASTAL AND IF YOU WANT A REAL CHALLENGE, SHEEPSHEAD ARE HANGING AROUND YOUR FAVORITE BRIDGE PILINGS, BULKHEADS, AND DOCKS JUST WAITING FOR YOU TO FEED THEM YOUR HARD-EARNED FIDDLER CRABS OR SEA URCHINS. THE BEST WAY TO TRY AND CATCH THEM IS BY FISHING VERTICALLY, REAL CLOSE – THAT MEANS MERE INCHES – FROM STRUCTURE USING A SHORTENED CAROLINA RIG WITH ABOUT A 12” LEADER. SMALL (SIZE 2), VERY SHARP HOOKS ARE A NECESSITY ALONG WITH A BARREL SINKER HEAVY ENOUGH TO HOLD YOUR BAIT PERPENDICULAR. THERE ARE SOME FLOUNDER BEHIND SHACKLEFORD FOR THE TRADITIONAL DRIFT FISHERMEN, BUT A LARGE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE SUB-LEGAL. THE BIGGER ONES ARE ON THE NEARBY AR’S – 315, 320, AND 330. A 2-OZ. BUCKTAIL AND A 4” GULP SHRIMP GETS ‘EM. KEEP IN MIND THAT FLOUNDER DON’T LIKE HIGH RELIEF (THE STULL THAT STICKS WAY ABOVE THE BOTTOM LIKE A WRECK), SO CONCENTRATE ON THE OTHER STRUCTURE FOUND STREWN AROUND THESE REEFS.

JUNE 17, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

THE LAST OF THE FRESH WATER FROM RECENT RAINS HAVE FLUSHED THROUGH THE COASTAL PLAIN AND HOT, STABLE WEATHER HAS BROUGHT GOOD FISHING CONDITIONS ALONG OUR COAST. AFTER AN UNSETTLED WEEK, THE NEW RIVER DOWNSTREAM FROM JACKSONVILLE IS THE PLACE TO GO IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR INSHORE SPECKLED TROUT AND REDFISH ACTION. TRY THE MOUTHS OF THE TRIBUTARY CREEKS AND MAIN RIVER POINTS WITH TOPWATERS AND GOLD SPOONS. BLACK DRUM ARE THERE, TOO BITING CLAMS AND FIDDLER CRABS ON THE OUTGOING TIDE. FIDDLERS ARE NOW BEING FED TO HUNGRY, BAIT-STEALING SHEEPSHEAD ALL THE WAY ALONG THE INTERCOASTAL. CONCENTRATE ON VERTICAL, BARNACLE-ENCRUSTED STRUCTURE LIKE BRIDGE PILINGS, OLDER DOCKS, AND BULKHEADS. THE NEARSHORE REEFS (285, 315, 320, 330) ARE HOLDING SOME KEEPER FLOUNDER, AMBERJACKS, AND LOTS OF “ENDANGERED” BLACK SEA BASS MOST OF WHICH ARE UNDERSIZED. TRY A 2-OZ. BUCKTAIL (SPRO OR ANY OF THEIR LOOK-ALIKES) TIPPED WITH A 4” GULP SHRIMP IN PEARL WHITE. PINK IS A GOOD COLOR CHOICE FOR THE BUCKTAIL. TROLLING THE BEACHES FROM BOGUE INLET TO CAPE LOOKOUT OUT TO ABOUT 35-40’ WILL GET YOU BIG NUMBERS OF SPANISH AND SMALL BLUEFISH. KEEP YOUR LURES SMALL AND SHINY, YOUR LEADERS LONG (20-30’), AND INSTEAD OF A PLANER, USE A VERY LIGHT (1-3 OZ.) TROLLING SINKER. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR BAIT BALLS BEING ATTACKED BY SPANISH, BLUES, AND EVEN A COBIA OR TWO HANGING AROUND. THEY ARE STILL HERE ALTHOUGH IN LESSER NUMBERS AND SIZE. OFFSHORE, THE BIG GAME BITE IS VERY GOOD BUT SPREAD OUT ALONG THE GULF STREAM. FIND WEEDLINES AND/OR FLOATING DEBRIS AND YOU’LL FIND MAHI. THE LIVE BOTTOMS AND REEF SYSTEMS OUT THERE ARE HOLDING A LOT OF GOOD EATING BOTTOMFISH. AS THE WATER CONTINUES TO WARM THEY ARE STARTING TO MOVE TO THE DEEPER AREAS, HOWEVER. LOOK AT WATER FROM 90-120’ FOR SNAPPERS, PORGIES, GROUPER, TRIGGERFISH, AND GRUNTS.

JUNE 17, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

THE LAST OF THE FRESH WATER FROM RECENT RAINS HAVE FLUSHED THROUGH THE COASTAL PLAIN AND HOT, STABLE WEATHER HAS BROUGHT GOOD FISHING CONDITIONS ALONG OUR COAST. AFTER AN UNSETTLED WEEK, THE NEW RIVER DOWNSTREAM FROM JACKSONVILLE IS THE PLACE TO GO IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR INSHORE SPECKLED TROUT AND REDFISH ACTION. TRY THE MOUTHS OF THE TRIBUTARY CREEKS AND MAIN RIVER POINTS WITH TOPWATERS AND GOLD SPOONS. BLACK DRUM ARE THERE, TOO BITING CLAMS AND FIDDLER CRABS ON THE OUTGOING TIDE. FIDDLERS ARE NOW BEING FED TO HUNGRY, BAIT-STEALING SHEEPSHEAD ALL THE WAY ALONG THE INTERCOASTAL. CONCENTRATE ON VERTICAL, BARNACLE-ENCRUSTED STRUCTURE LIKE BRIDGE PILINGS, OLDER DOCKS, AND BULKHEADS. THE NEARSHORE REEFS (285, 315, 320, 330) ARE HOLDING SOME KEEPER FLOUNDER, AMBERJACKS, AND LOTS OF “ENDANGERED” BLACK SEA BASS MOST OF WHICH ARE UNDERSIZED. TRY A 2-OZ. BUCKTAIL (SPRO OR ANY OF THEIR LOOK-ALIKES) TIPPED WITH A 4” GULP SHRIMP IN PEARL WHITE. PINK IS A GOOD COLOR CHOICE FOR THE BUCKTAIL. TROLLING THE BEACHES FROM BOGUE INLET TO CAPE LOOKOUT OUT TO ABOUT 35-40’ WILL GET YOU BIG NUMBERS OF SPANISH AND SMALL BLUEFISH. KEEP YOUR LURES SMALL AND SHINY, YOUR LEADERS LONG (20-30’), AND INSTEAD OF A PLANER, USE A VERY LIGHT (1-3 OZ.) TROLLING SINKER. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR BAIT BALLS BEING ATTACKED BY SPANISH, BLUES, AND EVEN A COBIA OR TWO HANGING AROUND. THEY ARE STILL HERE ALTHOUGH IN LESSER NUMBERS AND SIZE. OFFSHORE, THE BIG GAME BITE IS VERY GOOD BUT SPREAD OUT ALONG THE GULF STREAM. FIND WEEDLINES AND/OR FLOATING DEBRIS AND YOU’LL FIND MAHI. THE LIVE BOTTOMS AND REEF SYSTEMS OUT THERE ARE HOLDING A LOT OF GOOD EATING BOTTOMFISH. AS THE WATER CONTINUES TO WARM THEY ARE STARTING TO MOVE TO THE DEEPER AREAS, HOWEVER. LOOK AT WATER FROM 90-120’ FOR SNAPPERS, PORGIES, GROUPER, TRIGGERFISH, AND GRUNTS.

JUNE 22, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

THE HOT WEATHER HAS RAISED THE WATER TEMPS TO THE HIGH 80’S AND THE SALT CONTENT HAS INCREASED ALONG WITH THE TEMP. THAT MEANS KING MACKEREL FOR THE NEARSHORE ANGLERS SLOW TROLLING MENHADEN ON KING RIGS OR FROZEN CIGAR MINNOWS ON DEAD BAIT RIGS. LOOK FOR THEM AT NORTHWEST PLACES, THE AR’S (315,320, 330), AND ALONG THE SHIPPING CHANNEL AT BEAUFORT INLET. BLUEFISH AND SPANISH REMAIN PLENTIFUL FOR TROLLERS ALONG THE BEACH FROM BOGUE INLET TO THE CAPE. THIS IS TYPICALLY A LOW-LIGHT FISHERY AS THE BITE SLOWS DURING THE MIDDAY SUN. SMALL, “SNAKE” KINGS ARE NOW MIXED WITH THE SPANISH, SO BE SURE TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY YOUR WHOPPER SPANISH BEFORE BRINGING IT IN FOR A CITATION…YOU MIGHT GET THE WRONG KIND FROM MARINE FISHERIES FOLKS! A KING’S LATERAL LINE WILL DIP DISTINCTLY ABOUT 2/3 DOWN THE BODY TOWARD THE TAIL WHERE A SPANISH MACKEREL’S REMAINS FAIRLY STRAIGHT. THE REDFISH, SPECKLED TROUT, AND FLOUNDER ARE VERY SCATTERED ALONG THE INTERCOASTAL RIGHT NOW. THERE’S PLENTY OF LIVE BAIT FOR THEM NOW IN THE CREEKS AND MARSHES LOCALLY, SO THAT’S WHERE THEY ARE. A GOOD LURE CHOICE WOULD BE A PLASTIC SHRIMP ON A 24”-30” LEADER BELOW A POPPING CORK. THE MOST CONSISTENT ACTION RECENTLY HAS BEEN WITH SHEEPSHEAD AND BLACK DRUM. THEY ARE HANGING AROUND BOAT DOCKS, CHANNEL MARKERS, AND BRIDGE PILINGS. USE A SHORT VERSION OF A CAROLINA RIG BAITED WITH A FIDDLER CRAB, SEA URCHIN, OR SHRIMP. REMEMBER THE NEW SIZE AND BAG LIMITS NOW IN EFFECT FOR BOTH SPECIES.

JUNE 30, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

THE HOT WEATHER AND SOUTHWEST WINDS HAVE SLOWED DOWN THE INSHORE AND NEARSHORE FISHING…BUT HASN’T STOPPED THE BITE. IF YOU CAN GET OUT ALONG THE BEACHES FROM EMERALD ISLE TO CAPE LOOKOUT, YOU WILL FIND SPANISH AND BLUES. THEY’LL HIT TROLLED SMALL CLARKSPOONS, BUT BETTER YET IF YOU CAN FIND THEM CHASING BAITFISH ON THE SURFACE, CAST A SMALL, SHINY METAL JIG LIKE A KASTMASTER, JIGFISH, OR STINGSILVER. KEEP IT SMALL – ¼ OZ. IS ABOUT RIGHT – AND USE A FLUOROCARBON BITE LEADER OF ABOUT 8” OF 40# TO PREVENT THOSE TOOTHY THINGS FROM CHOMPING OFF YOUR LURES. LARGER SPANISH AND SOME KINGS ARE BEING CAUGHT LIVE-LINING PEANUT BUNKER AROUND THE CLOSER-IN AR’S LIKE THE 315, 320, AND 340. AGAIN, NO NEED FOR A WIRE LEADER; 40# FLUORO WILL WORK JUST FINE. JUST TIE ON A SIZE 4 TREBLE HOOK, ATTACH A POGIE BY HOOKING IT THROUGH THE LIPS (ACTUALLY IN THE MOUTH AND UP THROUGH A NOSTRIL KEEPS IT ALIVE LONGER) OR JUST ABOVE THE ANAL FIN AND LET IT SWIM AWAY FROM THE BOAT. THIS TIME OF YEAR, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL EAT IT. YOU CAN CATCH ALL THE BAIT YOU WANT USING A 6’, ¼” MESH CAST NET. THEY ARE EASY TO LEARN TO THROW, BIG ENOUGH TO COVER SOME WATER, AND WILL ALSO DO A GREAT JOB CATCHING SHRIMP (FOR THE FISH AND YOU TO EAT) TOO. LOOK FOR BAIT IN ANY SMALL COVE, CREEK, OR JUST CRUISING THE SHORE ALONG THE INTERCOASTAL, BUT STAY AWAY FROM OYSTER ROCK AND DOCK PILINGS. THEY’LL TEAR YOUR NET INSTANTLY. THE SHRIMP YOU’LL CATCH WILL WORK GREAT FOR SPECKLED TROUT, REDFISH, AND BLACK DRUM. THEY’RE HANGING AROUND THE MIDDLE MARSH, HAYSTACKS, AND SOME OF THE BIGGER CREEKS LOCALLY. IF YOU CAN GET OUT TO 80-90’ OF WATER TRY VERTICAL JIGGING A ROSCOE JR. OR BOTTOM FISHING. THIS IS ABOUT AS CLOSE TO SURE THING AS IT GETS. GREAT EATING FISH LIKE BLACK SEA BASS, VERMILLION SNAPPERS, TRIGGERFISH, GRUNTS AND PORGIES ARE ALWAYS HUNGRY AND WHEN YOU FIND A LEDGE OR LIVE BOTTOM, THEY ARE ALWAYS AROUND. AS A BONUS, YOU’LL PROBABLY GET SHOTS AT SMALLER MAHI, AMBERJACKS, KING MACKEREL, AND SHARKS.

JULY 7, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

THE SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS FOR THE PAST WEEK OR SO HAS REALLY PUT A DAMPER ON FISHING. THEY’RE STILL BITING, BUT GETTING TO THEM CAN GET YOU REALLY, REALLY WET! A GOOD PLACE TO GET OUT OF THE WIND AND CATCH SOME FISH IS THE PORT AREA. SHEEPSHEAD ARE PLENTIFUL AND HANG OUT ANYWHERE THERE IS BARNACLE-COVERED VERTICAL STRUCTURE LIKE BRIDGE ABUTMENTS, BULKHEADS, OR PILINGS. FIDDLER CRABS FISHED ON A SHORT CAROLINA RIG WILL GET YOU PLENTY OF BITES. BLUEFISH, FLOUNDER, AND GRAY TROUT WILL BITE SMALL METAL JIGS OR SOFT PLASTICS JIGGED IN THE SAME AREA. THERE IS SO MUCH LIVE BAIT IN THE WATER AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THAT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO FISH WITH THE REAL THING. AGAIN, A CAROLINA RIG WITH ABOUT 12-15” OF LEADER AND A SIZE 1 TO 2/0 CIRCLE HOOK IS VERY EFFECTIVE. WHEN YOU CAN GET OUT OF THE INLETS, WARM WATER AND HIGH SALT CONTENT HAS BROUGHT MAHI CLOSE TO SHORE. THEY HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AT NORTHWEST PLACES AND ON THE EAST SIDE AT THE 1700 AND 30-MINUTE ROCKS RECENTLY. ALONG THE BEACHES, THERE’S ALWAYS SPANISH AND BLUES FOR THE TROLLERS. THE WINDS HAVE CAUSED THE SURF TO GET MURKY BRINGING IN BLACK DRUM, REDFISH, AND SEA MULLET. THEY WILL BITE ON SHRIMP AND CUT BAIT FROM THE SURF CASTERS AND PIER ANGLERS. INLAND, THE STRIPER FISHERY AROUND NEW BERN HAS FINALLY PICKED UP. THEY’LL HIT TOPWATER BAITS LIKE SKITTERWALKS, ZARA SPOOKS, AND CHUG BUGS FROM THE RAILROAD TRESTLE DOWN RIVER TO BROAD AND GOOSE CREEKS. DON’T PASS BY THE HI-RISE BRIDGE ABUTMENTS WITHOUT A FEW CASTS AROUND THEM AND IF A TOPWATER WON’T PRODUCE, TRY A PEARL WHITE 4 OR 5” FLUKE ON A ¼ OZ. JIGHEAD.

JULY 13, 2015

BY: BRIAN SLESINSKI

WELL THE WEATHER FINALLY GAVE US A NICE WINDOW TO ENJOY THE WATER THIS WEEKEND.

THE NEARSHORE FISHING WAS AWESOME WITH LOTS OF FLOUNDER, RED DRUM, SPECKLED TROUT, SPANISH MACKEREL AND SHEEPSHEAD BEING CAUGHT.

MUCH THE SAME ON THE PIERS. THERE ARE LOT'S OF LARGER SPANISH MACKS BEING CAUGHT ON LIVE BAIT KING RIGS. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LARGE SPANISH AND A JUVENILE KING.

JULY 14, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

BRISK AND GUSTY SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS, SOARING TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY HAVE ALL TAKEN THEIR TOLL ON THE FISH – AND FISHERMEN – RECENTLY. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS FROM BOTH CLIMATOLOGISTS AND FISHERMEN ALIKE SAY THAT THE SEASONAL PATTERNS ARE RUNNING ABOUT 4-6 AHEAD OF THEIR NORMAL PATTERNS. THE LACK OF RAIN HAS RAISED THE SALT CONTENT AND THE WATER TEMPS, TOO. ALL THIS DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T CATCH A FEW FISH IF YOU GO. THE OFFSHORE FISHERY REMAINS CONSTANT WITH MAHI, WAHOO, AND BILLFISH AVAILABLE FOR THE CHARTER FLEET AND LARGER SPORTFISHERS. SEA CONDITIONS HAVE KEPT MOST OF THEM AT PORT, HOWEVER. WHEN THE NEARSHORE CONDITIONS ARE FISHABLE, YOU’LL FIND GOOD NUMBERS OF KING MACKEREL WITHIN A FEW MILES OF THE BEACH. TRY TROLLING DRONE OR LARGER CLARKSPOONS IN THE UPPER HALF OF THE WATER COLUMN. SLOW TROLLING A FROZEN CIGAR MINNOW ON A DEAD BAIT RIG IS A GREAT WAY TO CATCH THEM ON LIGHT TACKLE. WHILE TROLLING AROUND THE AR’S, THERE ARE FLOUNDER HIDING IN THE LOW RELIEF STRUCTURES AND THEY’LL BITE A 2-OZ. BUCKTAIL TIPPED WITH A 4” GULP SHRIMP. PINK SEEMS TO BE THE COLOR OF CHOICE FOR THE BUCKTAIL. FISH THE OTHER STRUCTURE FOUND ON THOSE REEFS RATHER THAN AROUND THE BIGGER SUNKEN SHIPS. THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF BAIT AROUND THE INSHORE WATERS, SO A CAROLINA-RIGGED SHRIMP, MUD MINNOW, OR FINGER MULLET WILL BE CHOMPED ON BY SOMETHING; BLUEFISH, CROAKER, GRAY TROUT, HOGFISH OR SPECKLED TROUT. IT IS AS CLOSE TO A SURE THING AS YOU CAN GET. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR CAROLINA RIGGING: USE AN EGG SINKER HEAVY ENOUGH THE KEEP THE RIG ON THE BOTTOM – BUT NOT TOO HEAVY SO IT RESTS IN ONE PLACE. DRIFTING IS BETTER THAN ANCHORING. KEEP YOUR LEADER ON THE SHORT SIDE; ABOUT 12-18”. NO NEED FOR EXPENSIVE FLUOROCARBON AS PLAIN 30-40# MONO WILL WORK JUST AS WELL. USE A CIRCLE OR KAHLE-STYLE HOOK TO CUT DOWN ON THE NUMBER OF GUT-HOOKED FISH. SIZES 2 TO 1/0 WILL WORK BEST. THERE ARE SURPRISINGLY NICE CROAKERS AROUND THE INTERCOASTAL AND THE PORT THAT CAN BE CAUGHT THIS WAY.

JULY 22, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

HIGH WINDS AND HOT WEATHER CONTINUE TO SLOW BOTH THE FISH AND THE FOLKS THAT CHASE THEM. THE USUALLY DEPENDABLE OFFSHORE BOTTOM BITE HAS MOVED TO DEEPER WATER. INSTEAD OF THE LIVE BOTTOMS IN 65-75’, YOU’LL NEED TO FIND DEEPER STRUCTURE IN 90-100’ OF WATER. A NOTABLE EXCEPTION ARE AMBERJACK. THEY ARE HANGING AROUND THE WRECKS FAIRLY CLOSE TO SHORE (AR’S 285 AND 330, D WRECK) AND WILL ABSOLUTELY CRUSH A BIG (1 ½-3 OZ.) SURFACE POPPER. ALTHOUGH SOME PEOPLE DON’T PREFER THEIR FOOD VALUE, THEY ARE FEATURED MENU ITEMS ON RESTAURANTS THROUGHOUT THE COASTAL STATES SOUTH OF HERE. THEY ARE AN OUTSTANDING SPORT FISH THAT WILL REALLY TEST THE STAMINA OF YOUR EQUIPMENT AND YOU! CLOSER TO THE BEACH, THERE ARE GOOD NUMBERS OF SPANISH MACKEREL MIXED WITH SOME SMALL BLUEFISH ACTIVE. THE LARGER ONES CAN BE CAUGHT LIVE-LINING FINGER MULLET OR PEANUT BUNKER. IF YOU AREN’T GETTING BIT THROWING SMALL METAL JIGS, TRY THIS: CLIP OFF THE SMALL JIGS FROM A SPECK RIG AND CAST THEM. THEY ARE ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE GLASS MINNOWS THAT SPANISH EAT AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. LOCALLY, SPECKLED TROUT AND REDFISH ARE STILL SCARCE. THE MOST CONSISTENT FISHING FOR THEM IS ALONG THE MARSHES OF THE INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY FROM SWANSBORO SOUTHWARD. PLASTIC SHRIMP UNDER A POPPING CORK, GOLD SPOONS, OR TOPWATERS LIKE SKITTERWALKS AND ZARA SPOOKS ALONG WITH THE OLD STANDBY GULP-AND-JIGHEAD WILL PRODUCE ONCE YOU FIND THE FISH. THE SHEEPSHEAD FISHING HAS BEEN VERY GOOD AROUND MHC FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS. THEY CAN BE FOUND EVERYWHERE THERE IS VERTICAL STRUCTURE (PILINGS, DOCKS, BRIDGE ABUTMENTS, BULKHEADS) THAT IS COVERED WITH BARNACLES AND OTHER MARINE GROWTH. LIVE BAIT LIKE SEA URCHINS, FIDDLER CRABS, OR SHRIMP FISHED ON SHORT CAROLINA RIGS IS THE PREFERRED METHOD.

JULY 30, 2015

BY: STEVE FIFER

UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ISN’T MUCH NEW TO REPORT. THE DOWNPOUR LAST WEEK REALLY MUDDIED THE CREEKS BUT DID LOWER THE SURFACE WATER TEMPS ABOUT 5-6 DEGREES AND PUT A TEMPORARY HALT TO THE INCESSANT SOUTHWEST WINDS. THE OLD DRUM ARE DUE IN THE NEUSE RIGHT NOW. THERE HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF “I KNOW A GUY WHO CAUGHT ONE…” REPORTS WITH THE LOCATIONS BEING THE EXTREME LOWER NEUSE. A BIG, CONCAVE POPPING CORK AND ABOUT 24” OF 25# FLUORO LEADER TIED TO A ¼ OZ. JIGHEAD AND A DOA AIRHEAD IS THE TERMINAL END AND A MEDIUM-TO-HEAVY SPINNING ROD, 20-30# BRAID, AND A DECENT 3000-4000 SIZED REEL WILL PUT YOU IN THE BUSINESS. STILL NOT MUCH TO REPORT ON THE SPECKLED TROUT OR REDFISH FROM THAT AREA. AROUND HERE, THE DIRTY WATER HAS REALLY SLOWED THE BITE EXCEPT FOR LIZARDFISH AND PINFISH. THE INCOMING TIDE BRINGS IN MUCH CLEANER WATER, SO IF YOU HAVE A CHOICE OF WHICH TIDE TO FISH, BY ALL MEANS, CHOSE INCOMING. THE SHEEPSHEAD ARE STILL ALL AROUND THE PORT AREA ON VERTICAL STRUCTURE. IT SEEMS THE BIGGER ONES LIKE SEA URCHINS OVER FIDDLER CRABS. THERE ARE SOME FLOUNDER BITING CAROLINA-RIGGED MUD MINNOWS OR FINGER MULLET IN THE SAME AREAS. AROUND THE NEARSHORE WRECKS AND REEFS (WHEN YOU CAN OUT TO THEM!), YOU’LL STILL FIND A FLOUNDER OR TWO ON 2 OZ. BUCKTAILS AND 4” GULP SHRIMP. LIVE-LINING A SMALL MENHADEN OR FINGER MULLET WILL GET SOME ACTION FROM THE WHOPPER SPANISH MACKEREL AND SMALLER KINGS THAT HANG AROUND THEM, TOO. THE OFFSHORE BOTTOM FISHING HAS BEEN UNCOMMONLY SLOW, BUT IF YOU FISH LIVE BOTTOMS IN THE 85-100’ DEPTHS WITH VERTICAL JIGS OR A GOOD OLD 2-HOOK BOTTOM RIG BAITED WITH SQUID STRIPS, YOU WILL CATCH FISH; SMALL SEA BASS BUT GOOD-SIZED GRUNTS, PORGIES ALONG WITH SCATTERED TRIGGERFISH, VERMILLION SNAPPERS, AND SHARPNOSE SHARKS. FURTHER OUT, THE WIND HAS BLOWN AWAY MOST OF THE DEBRIS AND GRASS MATS, BUT THERE WILL STILL BE MAHI FOLLOWING THE SCHOOLS OF FLYING FISH LOOKING FOR A TROLLED BALLYHOO TO EAT.